A man, who threatened staff with a knife when he attempted to rob a holiday park in Oulton Broad, has been jailed for 32 months.

Dean White, 23, walked into the reception area of Tingdene holiday park in Marsh Road, and pretended to ask for a job but then produced a knife, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said that there were members of staff in the area and in an impact statement read to the court a female member of staff said she now suffered from panic attacks as a result of what happened.

She said that as well as fearing for herself and other staff members she also felt responsible and afraid for everyone else.

White initially said he would take cash from the till but fled the scene empty handed and was arrested nearby.

White, of Bridge Road, Lowestoft, admitted attempted robbery on January 28, this year, and possession of a knife.

Isobel Ascherson, for White, said that he deserved credit for his guilty plea. She said that he had gone off the rails following the unexpected death of his mother.

'This is at the heart of his offending.'

Jailing White, Judge Stephen Holt said: 'It must have been a very frightening experience for the staff.'

He said: 'These sort of incidents really do destroy and diminish people's quality of life.'

He warned White that if he offended in this way again he would face an even longer sentence.

'Take this very much as a wake-up call.'

He said he should get help which would be offered for bereavement counselling while in prison.